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India were left stunned as South Africa defeated them by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. It turned out to be a shocking defeat for the hosts India as they failed to chase the target of 124 runs and were bowled out for just 93 runs during the second session of day three. With this win, the Proteas have taken a lead of 1-0 in a two-match Test series.
After the match, former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara was left disappointed with India’s defeat as he was seen criticizing the team’s strategies. "I don't agree with this. Transition ki wajah se Bharatiya team Bharat mein haare, woh digest nahi ho sakta (The Indian team losing in India because of the transition cannot be digested),” Pujara said in his conversation after the match.
If we lose in India, something is wrong: Cheteshwar Pujara
Speaking further, Cheteshwar Pujara also showed concern for Team India losing a Test match at home like this. The former cricketer said that it is not acceptable to lose a Test match at home after having players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar who have great First-Class records.
"India lost in England and Australia due to the transitional phase, which is still acceptable. But the talent and potential that India has, look at the first-class records of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar and Shubman Gill. Despite those first-class records, if we lose in India, it means that something is wrong,” Pujara said.
“India had a better chance to win this Test if the match had been played on a good wicket. How do you define Test cricket? On which wickets will your percentage to win be higher? That percentage drops on such wickets, and the opposition becomes equal to you. So, play on good wickets because even India A can win against South Africa; that is the amount of talent India has,” he further added.
